The safekeeping lion

Did you see the lions outside of your neighborhood Chinese restaurant?

Not long ago, those lions were exclusive for the elite – if it’s the imperial family, leaders, government high ranking or plain rich people.
The lions were meant to protect them from evil, to serve as their “protectors of the realm”.

Lion guarding an ancient wall in Datong – notice the ball

The lions (animal) were brought to the Han court (yard) at around 200 BC, as a gift, by Persian emissaries.
The name the Chinese use for it – 獅 (shī), is actually taken from the Persian word šer, I assume as a courtesy.
Lions statues and figurines can be found all over China at the entrances to important places, bridges for safe passage, on doors (as knockers or even handles) and even imparial seals were often decorated with one.
You will find the lions mostly in China but during the years it spread throughout the world, so it will be in other places as well.

The lion in Cangzhou

If you visit in Beijing, you can take a look at the lions which guard the forbidden city – stand high and strong for over 500 years.
At summer palace, you will find a lot of figurines (hundreds) – none of them looks like another..!
And if you were wondering where is the most impressive lion though, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s not in the capital, but in the city of Cangzhou, Hebei Province – weigh 49 tons and stand high as 5 meters (and over).

Often the lion will hold something that will look like a ball – this is quite interesting.
The reason the lion is holding a ball, is because in the old days the beast was trained and tamed and was actually quite playful (as a lion can be) – so the ball is to symbolize that time.

I have been living in China since early 2013 in the great Beijing.
I try to travel as much as I can and try to understand the culture and the habits as much as possible.
It's amazing how much can be learned about China, and about life, while living abroad in a totally different country than the one you grew up in.
I love it!
Catch up on my blog to try and understand along with me:)
Adam.

Some tips and facts

Gold tip#2

Anything you do here in China - be patient.
Sometimes it takes time here to do stuff, not matter if it's in an official office or a serviceman, it might take time.. Be ready:)

Fun fact#3

If you have some spare cash (a few hundred thousand), don't miss out on a trip to space:)
It sounds super cool and you'll be a pioneer..!
For more information click here.

Gold tip#3

This one will either sound stupid or funny - but seriously - don't take the subway (or any public transportation for that matter) in the city center between 07:30 to 11:00 if you value breathing and if you value personal space:)

Fun fact#5

As for 2014, there are over 10 million Chinese which immigrated out from mainland China to foreign countries.

Random Photos From 500px

Cycling ride – Beijing (Gopro)

Any tips? Any recommendations to share? that’s the place!

Hi there..!
If you have any tips to give - about writing, about travelling, about good restaurants or cool places to go to see around the world feel free to contact me!
Thanks! 谢谢! תודה!